ISTANBUL: An explosion in central Istanbul left at least one dead and other people wounded, according to local media.
State broadcaster TRT and other media showed ambulances and police heading to the scene on Istanbul’s popular Istiklal Street in the Beyoglu district. State-owned Anadolu agency said the cause of the blast was not yet known.
The nearby Kasimpasa police station said all crews were at the scene but gave no further details.
The area has been evacuated.
The avenue is one of the city’s busiest shopping streets and is close to several tourist attractions. Locals at the scene said shops have been closed and the area cordoned off with police, paramedics and the fire service on the scene.
Video footage showed panicked residents fleeing after a loud bang was heard, with multiple people lying on the ground.
This is a developing news story. More to follow
